Azure Administrator vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
ACE
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$15,000/yr | ✓+$16,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
Get Azure Administrator if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Get Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$16,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Administrator harder than Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Both Azure Administrator and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has +$16,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Azure Administrator is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.